I.S.S. 2024

As we embark on an extraordinary journey through the cosmos, we witness the importance of international cooperation through a series of title cards informing us of the origins of the International Space Station (I.S.S.). Born from the remnants of the Cold War, this remarkable feat of engineering symbolizes the collaboration between two erstwhile rivals: the United States and Russia. Designed as a hub for groundbreaking research, the I.S.S. is a testament to the heights humanity can achieve when it works together for the greater good. For those daring enough to travel to this celestial haven, the trusted Soyuz rocket serves as their vehicle.

Fast-forward to the present, where excitement fills the air as two astronauts, Dr. Kira Foster and Christian Campbell, prepare for their journey aboard the Soyuz Rocket to the I.S.S. Over the comms channel, they receive an encouraging message from Mission Control, celebrating their achievements as astronauts. As their mission unfolds, Christian shares an interesting tidbit about Russian customs—knocking three times to signify approval—and reveals his struggle to connect with his teenage daughter, who currently treats him with silence.

Upon their arrival at the I.S.S., Kira and Campbell are welcomed with open arms. For Kira, this is a dream come true, and as she enters, she is greeted by her new crew: Gordon Barrett, a commanding officer who expresses pride in her achievement, Weronika “Nika” Vetrov, and the Pulov brothers, Nicholai and Alexey. Eager anticipation fills the room as the crew gathers for a celebratory photo, capturing this momentous occasion.

Kira adjusts to her new life in space and finds wisdom in Nika’s experiences from her 50 days in orbit. Nika shares a vital piece of advice that resonates deeply with Kira: > “The most important thing up here is that we stick together.” This sentiment becomes a guiding principle as Kira navigates the complexities of her surroundings.

Gordon takes Kira on a tour of the station, explaining the necessary adjustments required to sleep in zero gravity. With a lighthearted demeanor, he describes how some astronauts prefer anchoring themselves in their sleeping bags, grinning as he suggests that Kira should opt for the same until she gets accustomed to the unique dynamics of weightlessness.

As Kira settles in, Gordon presents her with the chance to speak with loved ones back on Earth through video chats. To his surprise, Kira declines the offer, confiding that she has no one to contact at home. Gordon’s expression softens, revealing a hint of understanding as they both grasp the realities of life in space.

Throughout the station, a gentle hum serves as a constant reminder of the life support systems at play, a soothing background sound that signifies the well-being of the crew. However, within Kira, there’s an awakening to the profound significance of their mission and the bonds that unite them.

As Gordon introduces Kira to her workstation, she dives into her research, examining a collection of mice. This moment marks the start of her collaboration with Alexey, who shares insights about their previous experiments—ones that did not end well for their furry subjects. Despite the earlier setbacks, the atmosphere lightens as the crew spends time together, showcasing camaraderie as they bond over various activities.

As dinner draws near, a celebratory mood envelops the station. The crew gathers, recounting their tales and sharing laughter, though Gordon’s comedic attempt falls flat when Alexey becomes noticeably affected by the nostalgic strains of “Winds of Change,” a song that stirs memories from his childhood. The mood shifts when Christian surprises everyone with gifts, including sweet treats, a drawing from Nika’s nieces, and a unique necklace crafted from a space tether, intended for Kira. Amid the levity, Nicholai uncorks a bottle of liquor, but Kira’s enthusiastic yet clumsy handling leads to a comedic scene as bubbles of alcohol float through the station.

Later, the crew invites Kira to witness the breathtaking Earth views from the observatory, where Christian introduces her to the small perks of life in space. As Kira gazes upon the majestic blue planet, her initial stoicism gives way to a subtle smile, touched by the beauty of her surroundings.

As night falls, Kira finds herself restless and unable to sleep. When she steps outside her quarters, Nika kindly encourages her to return to her sleeping bag, highlighting the unique emotional challenges of being isolated in space – especially the absence of physical warmth. The crew awakens the next morning only to find their technological lifelines severed—computers offline, cutting off communication from Earth.

As chaos unfolds within her research area, Kira witnesses a disturbing scene as the mice, once thriving, now turn against each other in a battle for survival. The harrowing sight sends her spiraling into despair, causing her to wonder what could have led to such a catastrophic shift.

Seeking solace from the disturbing chaos, Kira retreats to the observatory, only to confront an equally alarming sight: the Earth bombarded by an enormous series of explosions. As panic sets in, it becomes increasingly clear this is no isolated event, but a global catastrophe unfolding before their eyes.

News of escalating hostilities between the United States and Russia reverberates through the station, amplifying the stakes of their already perilous situation. While Christian contemplates the safety of his daughters, and Nika is haunted by thoughts of her nieces, Gordon receives a veiled message from Mission Control, its contents shrouded in ominous uncertainty.

With the revelation that war is imminent, Gordon faces a daunting directive: to take control of the station by any means necessary, sowing seeds of doubt about whether that command serves the greater good. As tensions rise and systems begin failing, plunging the station into darkness, Kira and her crewmates are confronted with the stark truth that they may not survive the looming disaster alone.

With only a day left before the peril of re-entry becomes a grim reality, the survivors must band together to dismantle the brewing chaos. Gordon’s resolve leads him to volunteer for a risky spacewalk to repair a damaged antenna, with growing suspicion about the mission’s true nature permeating the atmosphere. Christian’s anxiety rises as he voices concerns, yet Gordon finds comfort in the presence of Nika, hinting at an emotional connection that may deepen as events unfold.

As Gordon steps into the void of space, the blue planet morphs into a haunting red hue, signaling unimaginable destruction. Through their comms, he warns Kira to stay away from the windows, understanding the emotional toll the cruel truth poses. Meanwhile, Christian and Alexey are engulfed in a hushed discussion, with Christian hesitant to confront the shadows creeping into their lives.

In his quest to find Nika’s backstory, Gordon’s admissions reveal an unexpected bond of love that developed after a karaoke night. Underneath the light banter, however, lies a coiled tension that threatens to unravel as Alexey grapples with inner turmoil, contemplating the implications of their dire situation.

As the frantic struggle continues, Kira delves deeper into Gordon’s pain, opening up about her own history marked by loss and disappointment, revealing her vulnerability with unsettling candor. The weight of her past weighs heavily on her heart as she endeavors to cope with the collapse of trust in a wartime atmosphere.

The fraying camaraderie and rising distrust culminate in tragedy as Alexey makes a pivotal choice, severing communication channels at a critical moment. When the chaos strikes and the antenna becomes perilously functional, it becomes a dreadful trap laid bare as old alliances unravel in the face of cataclysmic change.

As the crew comes to terms with incomprehensible loss, the intimate facade of their existence in space morphs into desperation. With rising tensions fueled by grief and fear, the tragedies unfold, revealing the raw human emotions at play amidst Cold War echoes, distrust, and the quest for survival.

In the midst of all this turmoil, Kira’s alertness gives way to an unvarnished revelation about the lengths each member will go to in order to protect themselves, leading to a jarring confrontation as the narrative spirals into moral ambiguity. Mired in loss, the survivors reluctantly shoulder the burden of their fateful decisions, grappling with emotional scars and the reality of their sunken hopes amidst the wasteland of a beautiful yet perilous universe.

Through all the challenges and heartbreak, their collective journey exemplifies the highest stakes of humanity entwined in the vastness of space, pushing the limits of survival, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of understanding. As they hurtle toward an uncertain destination, Kira poses a sobering question that hangs heavy in the air, making them confront profound uncertainties that lie ahead: What will become of them now?